Víf­ils­staða­vatn

Protection Status

Vífilsstaðavatn and its surroundings were designated a nature reserve in 2007. The protected area includes the lake and the slopes rising to the south and east, extending to the top of the ridge and including Grunnavatnsskarð. To the west and north, the boundary follows Ofanbyggðavegur and Elliðavatnsvegur.

The designation aims to preserve the natural condition of Vífilsstaðavatn and protect its distinctive aquatic ecosystem. The lake supports populations of Arctic char, brown trout, European eel and three spined stickleback. The sticklebacks are particularly unusual as they lack pelvic spines.

The lake and its shores also provide important habitat for birds. A variety of waterfowl breed around the lake, while waders and other birds of open habitats nest in the surrounding landscape.

Protecting the area immediately around the lake helps maintain the natural flow of groundwater into Vífilsstaðavatn and preserve the area’s native vegetation. The designation also aims to strengthen the value of the area for outdoor recreation, research and interpretation.